When Central Toledo resident Adina Smith moved into Saxon House about two years ago, she was excited to decorate her first apartment.

“It was very quiet,” Ms. Smith said. “I never heard a peep from anyone. Everything was fine. There were some little quirks that all apartments have … but things were generally OK and would get fixed in a timely manner.”

But last October, Ms. Smith noticed some things weren’t working as well as they used to at the apartment complex located at 1647 South Cove Blvd.

She rarely had warm water, her air conditioner unit was leaking, and her faucet slowly stopped working.

On Friday, Ms. Smith said conditions still hadn’t improved, despite putting maintenance requests in, and other tenants are experiencing even more issues like mold and water damage in their units.

Despite the deteriorating conditions, Ms. Smith said she wants to stay in her apartment but is worried about the future management of the building.

In early June, she had learned that the building was in foreclosure, and in July, she learned that Toledo Management Company was taking over as the property manager.

But by August, Ms. Smith received a letter from Toledo Management saying it would no longer be overseeing the property.

“[Toledo Management] did not give us notice of who the new management company would be, if there even is one,” Ms. Smith said. “Or who to contact in the meantime for maintenance issues.”

On Friday, Ms. Smith received an envelope at her door from Sandusky-based Real Property Management Clarity Team, informing her that the company was taking over as the new property manager.

Ms. Smith said she was tired of the revolving door of property managers, uncertainty regarding the foreclosure, and unaddressed maintenance issues. But she isn’t the only one.

“I don’t have time [for this],” said Matty Watkins, a 10-year resident at Saxon House. “I shouldn’t have to worry about having to form a tenant union and knowing all these laws and getting things organized.”

The Lucas County auditor’s real estate system shows the complex being owned by Saxon Cove Apartments LLC. Noah Woods, a staff attorney with Toledo’s Fair Housing Center, said the ownership appears to be based out of Arizona.

“A foreclosure action was brought against the ownership by the lender that gave them the money to acquire the property,” Mr. Woods said. “In this foreclosure, a receiver was appointed by the court.”

A receiver is a third-party that is appointed and supervised by the court to take over a property to stabilize and manage it during a foreclosure.

Mr. Woods said, based on court filings, the receiver is Georgia-based company GlassRatner, which contracted with Toledo Management Company to be the day-to-day property manager in July.

Nick Hirt, the CEO of Toledo Management Company, said he has managed and owned Section 8 housing and affordable housing units for almost 20 years. When his company was approached about managing Saxon House, he thought there was an opportunity to improve the building.

However, Mr. Hirt said he quickly became uncomfortable working with the receiver. He said he never met the owners of the property, was never supplied with leases, and his points of contact for the receiver kept changing.

“This is the classic out-of-town LLC,” Mr. Hirt said. “It’s horrible. It’s not good living conditions at all.”

Mr. Hirt said his company oversaw some of the beautification outside of the building, including cutting down trees and cleaning up brush, but after about six weeks, Mr. Hirt said he was out.

“I sent the receiver a notice and said, ‘Look, I don’t let people live like this. I can’t be a part of it. I can’t, unfortunately, continue to have this relationship,’” he said.

The tenants met with Jennifer Copeland, a senior asset manager at GlassRatner, in July, according to a letter from the tenants to the receiver. However, Ms. Copeland declined to comment for this story, saying she did not specifically oversee the receivership. She did not say who does oversee the receivership for Saxon House, only stating that she would have them return requests for comment. No one from GlassRatner returned requests for comment.

Members of Toledo’s Fair Housing Center met with residents at the Saxon House on Friday to go over their options.

George Thomas, the center’s CEO and general counsel, said he has seen many cases like this before.

“Things have kind of changed all across the country, but markets like Toledo are seen as a place where you can come in and buy things up quickly,” Mr. Thomas said. “Then because of that, sometimes it’s this … financing gamemanship of different groups may buy something and then they hand it off to another LLC and it’s in a different investment portfolio.”

Ms. Smith said she hopes the Fair Housing Center will help address resident concerns since she wants to stay at her apartment. Ms. Watkins said they also would prefer to stay in the building but hopes a new owner will take over the property and maintain it.

“I really like this building,” Ms. Watkins said. “It only has 20 units. I know all of my neighbors. ... I would rather not move, but in order for this building to be properly taken care of, a lot of things need to happen.”

Toledo Municipal Court has unveiled its newly renovated domestic violence waiting room, a space designed to give victims privacy and separation from their alleged abusers.

Joshua Lanzinger, administrative and presiding judge of Toledo Municipal Court, showed off the renovated space Friday during an open house.

“This is an important space created with victims and their families in mind,” Judge Lanzinger said at an open house in the waiting room that showcased the upgrades on Friday. 

“These renovations are more than a physical improvement. They reflect our commitment to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment to those who come to the courthouse during what might be one of the most difficult times of their lives,” Judge Lanzinger said.

The renovations include new furniture, carpet, lighting, and paint. Charging ports for electronic devices, such as smart phones and tablets, are part of the furniture.

“Anyone who has spent time in the Toledo Municipal Court knows that folks can be here for a while,” said Rebecca Facey, chief prosecutor of the municipal court. “So it’s very nice to have the ability to charge their phones.”

There is also a children’s section with toys and books. A public art collection displayed in the room was removed, cleaned, and reinstalled.

The domestic violence waiting room, established through a partnership with the Toledo prosecutor’s office in 2014, was designed to give prosecutors a space to interview victims and help them feel safe while waiting for their cases to be called.

Ms. Facey said the waiting room is “vital to victims of domestic violence who are coming to court and have to see their abusers in the courthouse.”

“They have to relive the traumatic events that bring them to court in the first place. This space really offers that ability to have a calm, safe environment to talk about their cases with prosecutors and to meet with advocates,” Ms. Facey said.

After a longtime domestic violence advocacy program at the court ended this summer because of funding problems, Ms. Facey emphasized there has been no disruption in services.

“If you are a victim of domestic violence in Toledo Municipal Court, you will have an advocate with you,” Ms. Facey said.

Angie Overton, supervisor of the Crisis Response Team, said the waiting room is beneficial to victims of domestic violence.

“Many times, they don’t want to face their abusers, and don’t want to be in a courtroom,” Ms. Overton said. “This is a room they can go to, meet with the prosecutor, and know they are in a safe space. They can talk to advocates and go over resources that may be available to them. Victims are so in need of that.”

The renovations have vastly improved the waiting room, she said. 

“The before and after are dramatic. It’s so nice, new, and modern,” Ms. Overton said. 

The soft, muted shade of green painted on the walls is a calming and a welcoming color, she added. 

Toledo City Councilman John Hobbs, who is chairman of the city’s Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform Committee, was among Toledo councilmen who were at the open house.

“They don’t have to be victimized twice by coming in and still being intimidated by the person who has been abusing them. It shows our system is interested in the victim by creating a bigger, comfortable, and modern space,” Mr. Hobbs said.

Judge Lanzinger said he hoped the new waiting room will offer a measure of comfort, privacy, and dignity for those who use it.

“Most importantly, we want the victims to know they will be seen, heard, and supported throughout their experience in our justice system,” Judge Lanzinger said.

The project was supported by a grant awarded by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the Office of Criminal Justice Services, the Office on Violence Against Women, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s STOP Formula Grant program.

Victim advocates from the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office are partnering with the Toledo prosecutor’s office to staff the room.

Maumee Valley Country Day School Head of School Lynn Casto will step down at the end of the 2026-27 school year after nine years leading the school, the school announced Friday.

To ensure a “thoughtful transition,” the school’s board of trustees has formed a search committee that includes current trustees, past board leaders, alumni, parents, and faculty and staff, said Christa Dewire, board member and trustee who presides over the school search committee.

Ms. Dewire said Ms. Casto has led the school since July, 2018, “with vision, fiscal discipline, and deep care for our students and families.” 

“It is both humbling and energizing to serve as chair of this search,” Ms. Dewire said. “I look forward to sharing more in the weeks and months ahead and to ensuring meaningful opportunities for voices across our community to be heard as we move through this important journey together.”

The sixth annual Perrysburg Sculpture Walk will kick off on Sept. 7 with a community celebration at Woodlands Park, 429 E. Boundary St.

The celebration marks the opening of 13 sculptures by nationally and internationally recognized, award-winning artists.

Events are scheduled as follows:

● Children’s sculpture-making station at 3:30 p.m.

● Concert by Hepcat Revival at 4 p.m.

● Artist award presentation at 5 p.m.

● Curator-led tour of the new exhibit at 6 p.m.

The concert and children’s area will be located under tents for shade. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket.

The Perrysburg Sculpture Walk is free and open to the public year-round, with self-guided tours available daily.

This year’s annual Labor Day parade steps off at 9 a.m. Sept. 7 from Summit and Monroe streets.

Lucas County Probate Judge Jack Puffenberger will serve as the parade grand marshal and will be joined by all Northwest Ohio Labor Unions.

The parade traditionally travels north on Summit Street to Jackson Street and then to Huron Street.

The marchers will be led by Teamsters Local 20; Toledo Federation of Teachers Local 250; Toledo Port Council; American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees; AFL-CIO affiliates; Northwest Ohio Building Trades affiliates; and United Auto Workers.

Several local high school bands will be marching along.

The parade is organized by the Union Labor Committee, which comprises seven local labor groups including the Greater NWO AFL-CIO, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Toledo Federation of Teachers Local 250, NWO Building and Trades Council, UAW Region 2B, Teamsters Local 20, and American Maritime Officers/Port Council.

The annual Warren Sherman Festival at Inez Nash Park, 100 E. Bancroft St., returns on Labor Day weekend.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 5 and noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 6.

The family-friendly event features live performances, games, vendors, and bounce houses, and more.

There will be a memorial service and community recognition at 4 p.m. Sept. 6, organizers with the Warren Sherman Area Council said.

Musical entertainment includes performances by Skip Turner Band.

Blade photographers head out every day to capture the triumphs, tragedies, and oddities of life in Lucas County and beyond.

Click the image above and the arrows on the left and right to view the full gallery.

Old West End Commons park is the personification of community to the Old West End neighborhood, said Tammy Michalak, treasurer of the Women of the Old West End. 

Residents decided to fight for the first park in the neighborhood and, 50 years later, it still sits in the center of the Old West End. 

The Women of the Old West End will celebrate the history of the park and those who helped bring it to fruition through a rededication ceremony from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. 

The park was first dedicated in 1976 and construction was finished in 1978, Ms. Michalak said. 

“It has been a reflection of … what can happen when you’ve got people that volunteer,” she said of the park. “They take part in their community. They take an active role in their community. It shows what happens and how you can shape a neighborhood and shape your community if you get involved.” 

The rededication will feature music, desserts, and a memorial timeline that shows the history of the property and people who have contributed to the park, Ms. Michalak said. 

Toni Moore, president of Women of the Old West End, said when the park was built, there were no parks in the neighborhood. 

Ms. Moore said she remembers her neighbors talking about how a park would be a nice addition to the community. 

Decades later, the park has hosted weddings, birthday celebrations, and baby showers, she said. 

“It is volunteer-driven,” Ms. Moore said of the Old West End’s development. “If it weren’t the volunteers, a lot of things here wouldn’t happen, and that includes the Commons.” 

When asked about security concerns during the ceremony after the Old West End Festival shootings in June, Ms. Michalak said there haven’t been any conversations because of the event being smaller and shorter. 

“There’s no alcohol. There are no party-type activities,” she said. “It’s just a way to recognize and celebrate the neighborhood.” 

The story of the park started and continues with Women of the Old West End, Ms. Michalak said. 

The property was originally a house built in 1895, she said. The house changed hands from 1908 through the late 1950s before being bought by the Michigan Realty Co. in 1962, she said. 

The company demolished the house with plans to turn the property into a commercial space but that move was denied by the city of Toledo, Ms. Michalak said. 

When it was just an empty lot in the 1960s, the Women of the Old West End, the Old West End Association, and residents of the neighborhood were determined to keep the residential feel of the neighborhood after previous attempts to make it a commercial space, she said. 

Former Lucas County Juvenile Court Judge Andy Devine, who was also president of the Old West End Association, for example, helped lead the neighborhood and its organizations in working with the city to develop the property into a shared community space. 

“Individuals like Andy Devine said, ‘No. This isn’t what we want to see happen,’” Ms. Michalak said. “[The city] chose to preserve the character of this neighborhood and that shared space.”

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said the Old West End Commons is “one of those places that reminds you why neighborhoods matter.” 

“For 50 years, this green space has given neighbors a place to gather, children a place to play and generations of families a place to make memories,” he said. “The city is proud to invest in the neighborhoods that make Toledo special, but the real credit belongs to the people of the Old West End who have cared for this place and made it part of the life of this community.”

“Fifty years later, the Commons is still here, still bringing people together, and still giving the OWE another reason to be proud of who they are and where they call home,” Mr. Kapszukiewicz said. 

COLUMBUS — Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposal requiring data centers to provide free electricity to nearby residents is nothing more than a “politically convenient stunt,” energy policy expert Ashley Brown said. 

Mr. Brown, a former member of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and retired executive director of the Harvard Electricity Policy Group, said Mr. Ramaswamy’s plan is not based in reality. 

“There’s no evidence of any thought that went into it,” Mr. Brown said. “They’re not even remotely serious. It’s just a gimmick to get them through the election.”

First of all, it’s not clear what Mr. Ramaswamy means by “electricity,” he said.

“Does that mean energy? Does it mean transmission wires and poles? Distribution wires and poles? Does it mean capacity?” he said. “Secondly ... I don’t know why any potential investor in a data center would take on that responsibility because it’s open-ended and it’s completely unpredictable.” 

Even if Mr. Ramaswamy’s plan could be implemented, he said, it would be harmful to consumers across the state.

“You want all customers ... to be efficient in their use of energy. If you give something for free, why would you care about how you use it?” Mr. Brown said. “That means demand is going to grow even faster ... requiring even higher costs of service.” 

As part of his plan, Mr. Ramaswamy has promised to sign an executive order halting the construction of all new data centers until his proposal is passed by the Ohio General Assembly.

Mr. Brown said it’s unclear whether a governor has that power under the Ohio Constitution, and even if he does, it’s unlikely the legislature would pass something like Mr. Ramaswamy’s proposal.

“The legislature has been — to call them responsive to pressure from certain industries is an understatement,” Mr. Brown said. “The likelihood that the legislature would do that is not good.”

Another perspective

Jonathan Koomey, a California-based computing and energy efficiency researcher, spoke during the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association’s Energy Conference in Columbus on Thursday. Mr. Brown also participated in the conference. 

After his presentation, Mr. Koomey said he’s not aware of another state implementing a policy similar to Mr. Ramaswamy’s proposal.

“I’m not sure how it would work,” Mr. Koomey said. “You would still have to pay for the distribution.” 

Another issue, Mr. Koomey said, is that many people would not want to live near a data center with an on-site natural gas power plant.

“There are issues of noise and pollution that are nontrivial if they are near houses,” he said, pointing to the xAI data center in Memphis as an example.

“They have 25 air-derivative turbines. It’s like airplane engines going all the time. You could imagine, if you lived in those houses, how it would be,” Mr. Koomey said. “I feel like that’s a failure of regulation and a failure of society. Nobody should be allowed to impose those kinds of costs on people who used to live in a rural area.” 

Types of on-site generation

Both Mr. Brown and Mr. Koomey said it would make the most sense — both economically and environmentally — for data centers to use on-site renewable generation like solar and wind power. 

Mr. Brown criticized Ohio’s state government leaders for enacting laws that make it nearly impossible to build solar and wind generation in the state.

In 2021, Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation sponsored by state Sens. Rob McColley (R., Napoleon) and Bill Reineke (R., Tiffin) granting local officials expansive authority to block solar and wind projects. Mr. McColley is currently president of the Ohio Senate and Mr. Ramaswamy’s running mate, while Mr. Reineke is likely to succeed Mr. McColley as Ohio Senate president starting in 2027. 

“Those are the two least expensive forms of energy,” Mr. Brown said. “The marginal cost of producing energy is zero. The sun is free, and the wind is free.”

Mr. Brown said those forms of energy reduce prices for all consumers. 

“The lowest price is always dispatched first. Every generator bids in what they’re willing to sell energy for, but the price that everybody gets is the price of the last unit that’s dispatched,” he said. “That means that solar and wind — whenever the wind is blowing and the sun is shining — are always going to be the lowest cost.”

That reality forces other types of power plants to reduce their prices in order to compete, he said.

“When you block [solar and wind] out of the marketplace, which the legislature has effectively done, what you’re really doing is you’re deliberately driving up prices for every generator on the system,” Mr. Brown said. “It really has an extraordinarily bad effect on your electric bill. ... What they’re doing makes no sense.”

He said he understands why lawmakers implemented the policy, and that some farmers have legitimate concerns about living near solar and wind facilities. However, he questioned whether the alternatives are preferable.

“What are we going to do? Put a nuclear plant next to you?” Mr. Brown said. 

Mr. Koomey also questioned why data centers would need to rely on natural-gas power plants in rural or residential areas.

“There are plenty of brownfield areas where we could put these things that are not near houses,” he said.

“Another thing is you could just tell them, look, you have to use clean power. ... You have to do solar, batteries, and wind,” Mr. Koomey said. “Some of that will be power purchase agreements because you probably can’t get enough solar on your data center site to power it, but the tech industry has historically been really good at contracting for renewable power.” 

The Ramaswamy campaign did not provide more details on its data center plan for this report. 

A man whose trial conviction for murder was overturned on appeal pleaded guilty to reduced charges Thursday morning for a fatal South Toledo shooting that killed a Byrne Road motorist in 2022.

Cedrick Belmon, Jr., 21, then received an agreed-upon 20-year prison sentence for first-degree involuntary manslaughter and second-degree felonious assault for the shooting that killed Dominick Barnett, 29.

Judge Linda Jennings had sentenced Belmon to life in prison with parole eligibility after 37 years on Nov. 16, 2023, after a jury convicted him of murder and other counts.

But Ohio’s 6th District Court of Appeals vacated the trial last year on the grounds that Judge Jennings improperly denied Belmon’s defense attorney the opportunity to ask questions during jury selection about potential racial bias.

As part of the plea bargain with prosecutors, Belmon waived the right to apply for early judicial release from his new sentence.

Investigators believed Belmon was shooting at somebody else – although they never determined who — when he fired from the grounds of the Hunter’s Ridge Apartments on the evening of July 29, 2022.

A bullet instead crashed through Mr. Barnett’s windshield as he traveled northbound on Byrne near Gibraltar Heights Drive and mortally wounded him in the chest. A passenger in the vehicle was unhurt.

Jacqueline Alexander, Mr. Barnett’s mother, said during Belmon’s sentencing Thursday that her feelings about the defendant had not changed since her son’s death.

“I harbor no hate for Cedrick Belmon, just a deep regret that somewhere someone has failed him,” she told the court. “Over the years I have had to adjust to not having my son, and the time offered to Mr. Belmon I feel deep in my heart that true justice was not given for my son Dominick Barnett.”

Belmon was 17 at the time of the shooting, with related charges initially filed in juvenile court before being bound over to common pleas.

Ms. Alexander noted that Belmon had 21 prior felony adjudications before the shooting and said she hoped his remaining incarceration “will serve as time of reflection and finding the error in his actions to where, when given the chance to reenter society, he finds a way to abide by the laws and come out a decent, reformed, vital asset to society.”

She said outside the courtroom that she regretted that the murder charge was being reduced, but “it’s what I have to accept to get justice.”

The outcome thus is “bittersweet,” Ms. Alexander said.

“He could have just admitted guilt a long time ago, that could have saved the family a lot of hurt.”

Judge Walz praised Ms. Alexander before formalizing Belmon’s sentence, saying she had offered “an expression and show of grace for you [Belmon] that I don’t know I could have done in her situation.

“I hope that you paid attention … because one day you will be released and be in our community,” the judge said before urging Belmon “choose a path of life that you can be proud of.”

Belmon’s new sentence included a maximum 11 years for the manslaughter conviction, three years for the assault conviction, and three years apiece for gun specifications attached to those two counts. Four other charges for which he was convicted at trial were dismissed.

Judge Walz credited him with 337 days served in jail between the appellate ruling and Thursday, then said Belmon will be separately credited for more than three years he previously spent in jail and prison.

While he waived early judicial release, Belmon would still be eligible for good-behavior credit, but also subject to up to 5½ years of additional time if he misbehaves while incarcerated.

Toledo City Council members are calling on people who live near Brent Industries in South Toledo to voice their concerns about this month’s fatal explosions there and to testify before a council committee.

The appeal came during a Thursday news conference at the scene of the Aug. 18 explosion and fire at the facility at 2922 South Ave. Councilmen assured those present that they will properly address any issues, ensure a thorough investigation, and hold those responsible to account.

Rachel Hart, chief of communications for the city, said the council’s Sustainability and Beautification Committee will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

A few of the attending neighbors shared their health and environmental concerns on the sidelines of the event and said they look forward to testifying at the meeting.

“I’m definitely going to be there,” said Carmen Sparks of the 500 block of Thad Street, less than two blocks from the scene.

Ms. Sparks said she primarily has health concerns. She and her adult daughter both have asthma and were using inhalers after the incident “because the air was like smoke.”

Kris Ramsdell, who lives in the 500 block of Shea Street, said he too has had health issues and “definitely” plans to attend the council’s committee meeting. 

“I have a sore throat and a little bit of a runny nose and a minor headache here and there,” he said. “I did not have these issues before.”

Councilmen Nick Komives, Theresa Gadus, John Hobbs, George Sarantou, Cerssandra McPherson, and Erin Kramer took turns at the microphone to assure those present of their commitment to ensure that those involved see justice and that such incidents do not occur again.

“As for the follow-up meeting before City Council, one of my goals is to make sure that we are asking the [city] administration what their communication plan is and what that looks like, and that we’re making sure that we’re taking in all ages, all accessibility needs, and that we’re really getting it to the neighbors,” Mr. Komives said.

“That’s something that ... we’re going to be really pushing on to the administration,” he said.

Robert Worthington, president of the Burroughs Neighborhood Organization, who attended the news conference, also called on neighborhood residents to come and testify. 

The city administration “remains committed to keeping neighbors informed as new information is available,” Ms. Hart said in a statement after the news conference. “Our number one priority will always be ensuring residents feel safe in their homes.”

The explosion and fire

At 4:49 a.m. Aug. 18, Heladio Garcia Perez, 46, and Mary Allen, 64, were working inside the facility when a pair of explosions rocked the building. That triggered a fire and several more explosions, which destroyed most of the structure.

Twelve employees were in the building at the time of the fire, and the two victims were found after most of the blaze was extinguished.

The explosions shook nearby homes, waking up residents, including those in houses and apartments.

“Two big booms woke us up, and the house shook,” Ms. Sparks said. “We walked around the house for a while to make sure no one broke into the house because it felt like a car had hit the house, then we stepped outside and saw burned debris atop the cars and in my yard.”

Mr. Ramsdell had a similar experience.

“The second explosion, in my opinion, was a lot stronger than the first one. It felt like someone picked my house up and dropped it,” he said. “In fact, I was worried that I might have foundational issues. I didn’t know what was going on. I was scared to get out of bed because it was so forceful.”

Smoke from the fire was visible for miles, and fire officials urged the public to avoid the area and remain clear of the scene.

The Toledo plant was cited in 2015 by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for improper disposal of hazardous waste at an unlicensed facility and was ordered to pay an $8,000 fine.

Founded in 1977, Brent has two locations, one in Toledo and one in Brent, Ala. It provides a “smart alternative to the traditional and more expensive methods of disposing of textiles and related products that contain nonhazardous and hazardous materials, in direct compliance with all EPA-mandated guidelines,” according to the company’s website. 

The business uses a “mineral spirits-based dry cleaning process” to recondition materials for reuse. OSHA classifies mineral spirits as a Category 3 flammable liquid, a designation for any liquid, mixture, or molten solid that gives off flammable vapors at or below 140 degrees.

Rachel Reed has wanted to be a lawyer since high school, she said Thursday. 

The first-year law student at the University of Toledo said she’s a little overwhelmed by the expectations of the profession to her but got some comfort about her path forward during a lecture at the University of Toledo Law Center. 

Ms. Reed sat in front of Lucas County Common Pleas Judges Lori Olender and Ian English and Toledo Municipal Court Judge Michelle Wagner who preached the importance of the “Toledo Way,” a cherished principal in the university’s law program that promotes fairness, advocacy, and honesty. 

More than 60 students filled the McQuade Law Auditorium during the Integrity, Civil Discourse, and Practicing Law the “Toledo Way” lecture series. 

“We’ve heard [about it] countless times since we’ve been here [and] it seems to be a really great thing and a great community to be a part of,” Ms. Reed said.  

The judges talked about their journeys from law students to local judges and the lessons they’ve learned along the way, including the impact the Toledo Way philosophy has had on their careers. 

Judge Olender, for example, remembers a juvenile public defender being confused about her cordial demeanor while she worked as a prosecutor for Lucas County Juvenile Court. 

“He’s like, ‘This is really strange,’” she said. “‘You’re so nice about this. I don’t understand. You’re not giving me a hard time with discovery. I’m like, ‘I don’t understand why I wouldn’t.’ … I don’t understand not [living] the ‘Toledo Way.’”

Judge English shared the sentiment. 

He said it’s important to practice the Toledo Way not only to be a good steward of the court system but to also better build relationships with the people within that system.

“You guys are going to be on the opposite side of cases, going at it like cats and dogs,” Judge English said. “In the end, we are all in the same profession and we all have the same goal.”

The Toledo Way doesn’t only build relationships, it also can solidify a reputation of trust and reliability to a lawyer’s client as well as other lawyers, the judges said.

“Make sure you establish yourself as a straight shooter. Your word is your bond,” Judge Wagner said. “If you say you sent an email, it is sent. They don’t even question it.” 

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur has been released from a local rehabilitation facility and is now home following a car crash that hospitalized her and her campaign manager.

Her office confirmed that she was released from the Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Ohio earlier this week and has returned to her South Toledo home.

“I am so grateful to everyone who has helped my dear staff member Kegan [Zimmermann] and I heal in these last few weeks from our car being struck in a terrible collision,” Ms. Kaptur, (D., Toledo), said in a statement. “The airbag and seatbelt saved my life, but they also took a toll.”

The congressman said “complete healing will take a few more weeks,” and she is expected to undergo additional outpatient therapy.

It is unclear if Ms. Kaptur will be in Washington next week when lawmakers are expected to reconvene after the August recess. House representatives will travel to their districts for the week of Labor Day and return to Washington Sept. 14 for the rest of the month.

Despite additional recovery, Ms. Kaptur praised the team at the rehabilitation hospital for its expertise and care.

“The RHNO team of highly experienced and dedicated doctors, physical and occupational therapists, nurses and nursing aides from the University of Toledo Medical Center bring true healing to patients on a daily basis,” she said.

In a social media post, the rehabilitation facility said it was an honor to have the congressman.

“Her strength, determination, and commitment to her recovery have been truly inspiring to our physicians, nurses, therapists, and entire RHNO team,” the post said. “It was a privilege to be part of her journey and support her as she worked toward getting back to the people, places, and activities that matter most.”

Ms. Kaptur spent about two weeks at the facility after five days at Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center, recovering from non-life threatening injuries from the Aug. 2 car crash.

Ms. Kaptur had cuts and marks where her seatbelt constrained her and the airbags hit her body, she said, several days after the crash. She didn’t break any bones, despite not being able to move her leg at the time of the accident.

She was transferred to the Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Ohio to recover strength.

Shawn Gerken, the director of marketing and business development for the rehab hospital, declined to give specific details about Ms. Kaptur’s care at the facility but said, in general, those involved in automobile accidents are considered trauma patients, and oftentimes, those patients will have precautions.

“That could be like, they can’t put any weight on their left leg for six to eight weeks or they’ll have a spinal fracture or a spinal cord injury, and they can’t twist for 12 weeks,” she said. “So we have to be really creative in how to get them to be independent with those precautions.”

The inpatient facility offers physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and patients must require two out of the three services.

Patients typically stay at the rehab hospital anywhere from a week and a half to three weeks depending on insurance coverage and their needs, Ms. Gerken said.

The hospital does not provide outpatient therapy, but the director said the staff will help set patients up with outpatient services.

“Every patient that comes into our building is assigned a case manager, who will kind of be the liaison between our facility and then the primary care physician or any outpatient services that they’re going to need,” Ms. Gerken said. “They’ll help set up outpatient therapy, home therapy, home services, doctor’s appointments … just to make sure the patient continues to get care once they leave our building.”

Ms. Gerken said the hospital’s goal for every patient is to get them to be as independent as possible.

In her statement, Ms. Kaptur said the body is an “amazingly resilient creation” but “nature heals at its own steady pace.”

“Please let me thank every single individual who has contacted me directly or through our office to offer kind words, prayers, advice, cards of well wishes, texts, flowers, chocolates, homemade cookies, zucchini bread, and healing thoughts,” she said. “Your kindness surrounds me and strengthens me daily.”

The crash involving Ms. Kaptur took place just before 11 a.m. at Detroit and Central avenues. Ms. Kaptur and her campaign manager were on their way to a church service. Ms. Kaptur was in the passenger seat of a 2022 black Ford Bronco that Mr. Zimmermann was driving when a 2019 silver Nissan Altima lost control and started to skid.

The driver of the Altima crossed the center line and struck the Bronco. Both Ms. Kaptur and Mr. Zimmermann were wearing seatbelts but were taken to St. Vincent Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. Mr. Zimmermann was released the same day with a minor wrist injury, Ms. Kaptur said.

The driver of the Altima fled the scene and is believed to be at fault.

Toledo police are still looking for the driver who fled, a department spokesman said Thursday, adding that there have not been any new developments in the ongoing investigation.

The suspect is believed to be a male with potential injuries.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Crime Stoppers program at 419-255-1111. Callers can remain anonymous.

Lightly used footwear, kitchen appliances, glassware, artwork, furniture, and several racks of clothing are among the items inside the Cherry Street Mission’s first thrift store, Cherry Street Thrift. 

“There’s a mission behind what we are doing here,” Ann Ebbert, president and CEO of the Cherry Street Mission, said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony inside the store on Thursday. “It’s more than a store. The entire mission is to give back to our community in a new way.”

All of the items in the store, located at the former JoAnn Fabric and Craft space in the Reynolds Plaza shopping center, have been donated, similar to what takes place at other thrift stores.

“We can use those donations and steward them in a way that not only benefits people through low-cost clothing opportunities and buying things for their homes, but it also benefits the mission at Cherry Street with the revenue that comes through the store. Individuals who are in our homeless shelters or using our work force development classes benefit from all of the proceeds this store makes,” Ms. Ebbert said. 

A couple of customers were already looking at the items for sale after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Cindy Sattler, of Toledo, was just browsing, checking out the prices. She liked what she was seeing so far.

“There’s great variety. I want to do more shopping here,” she said.

Danielle Swalley, of Walbridge, was also scanning the shelves, though she said she wasn’t looking for anything specifically. 

“It looks like there’s a lot of things here to look at,” she said. 

She enjoys going to thrift shops and expects to return to the Cherry Street Mission store in the future.

The thrift store is the latest development by the nonprofit Cherry Street Mission, which provides temporary housing, services, and resources to people in need. It also started the Second Helping food truck, which is run by the mission’s work force development program. It delivers fresh, healthy meals to neighborhoods and food deserts around the Toledo area.

“It’s all fresh, healthy food,” Ms. Ebbert said. “We do a seasonal salad, wraps, and barbecued pork with cherry barbecue sauce. The food truck has been very successful.”

Jeff Lonsbrough, vice president of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, said he was going to bring his daughters later to shop in the store. 

“The mission of Cherry Street is a great mission,” said Mr. Lonsbrough, who cut the ribbon at the ceremony. “It’s good to see they are enhancing the mission they are already doing in a new way, by being innovative and taking strides towards what their goal is.”

The public can donate items to the store or at the Cherry Street Mission on Monroe Street.

“Items that are donated to the Cherry Street Mission on Monroe Street will be used for guests first, then brought right here to the thrift store for purchase,” Ms. Ebbert said.  

Toledo Council President Vanice Williams attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to show her support.

This is not my district, but we’re still in Toledo, so anywhere in Toledo is a great place to be,” Ms. Williams said. 

“I’m excited to come out and see the store because I know how much the Cherry Street Mission has grown over the years,” Ms. Williams said. “I like seeing the mission expand more to a thrift store that can actually bring some revenue in, and assist those who don’t have a whole lot of money right now to buy work boots and clothes.” 

Ms. Ebbert said the Cherry Street Mission plans to open a second thrift store.

“We’ll be looking at other locations. We hope to open our next one in a couple of years,” she said.

NEW BOSTON, Mich. — Lane closings and 15-minute traffic shutdowns will affect I-275 just south of Detroit Metropolitan-Wayne County Airport’s southerly entrance this weekend, the Michigan Department of Transportation announced.

One of three lanes will be closed in each direction at Huron River Drive from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, officials said. On Saturday from 7 to 9 a.m. and Sunday from 6 to 10 a.m., all traffic will be blocked for several periods of up to 15 minutes each.

I-75 to westbound Eureka Road is an alternative route for airport-bound travelers.

BLUFFTON, Ohio — A box-truck driver from Sandusky was seriously injured early Thursday morning when he crashed into a tractor-trailer that had overturned on southbound I-75, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported.

Lowayne Etzler, 63, was flown to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center following the crash reported at 3:34 a.m. in Hancock County’s Union Township near the freeway’s Milepost 144, troopers from the patrol’s Findlay post said.

A tractor-trailer driven by Cory Holzhauer, 32, of Vermilion, had gone off the freeway’s right side, then veered left and overturned on the pavement, troopers said. Mr. Etzler’s box truck then struck the wreck’s trailer.

Mr. Holzhauer was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Both trucks were heavily damaged and towed from the scene, the patrol said.

Sylvania-area residents are voicing concerns about the school district’s upcoming 1 percent earned-income tax levy.

“I am nearly 80 years old, and I want to stay here, and I need to keep on working to pay my taxes, but my body is not going to take it,” said Greg Radzinski of Sylvania Township. “... I already pay Sylvania schools over $2,500 a year, and now you want to add more to it? When does it stop?” 

Mr. Radzinski noted that his Sylvania Township house, which cost $100,000 when he bought it, is now valued at $300,000.

He spoke during a town hall Wednesday at the Sylvania Senior Center.

About 60 people attended the two-hour question-and-answer session that was the first of three town halls planned through October.

During its meeting Monday, the Sylvania Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution approving $11.3 million in cuts if its levy does not pass on Election Day.

The board’s resolution mirrored the cuts Superintendent Tim Zieroff outlined in an Aug. 4 letter to the community.

The cuts would be the district’s projected financial response should the 1 percent earned-income tax levy and 1.7-mill property tax reduction fail.

Mr. Radzinski was one of several who spoke against the levy Wednesday.

“This 1 percent income tax is like an 8.9-mill property tax; it’s a 26 percent increase. It’s just too big of a pill, too big to swallow,” said Loren Sengstock, a 50-year Sylvania Township resident.

Others voiced similar concerns.

“By making this levy earned income only, is it your contention that you want to get support of the seniors and have the working stiffs bear the cost?” asked Brian Nelson, a Sylvania Township resident with two children in the district schools.

Board member Dan Boden responded.

“It’s not about shifting it to the ‘working stiffs,’” Mr. Boden said. “It’s the recognition that people are losing their homes when property taxes are that high.”

Potential cuts should the levy fail include a $4,262,500 reduction in teaching and learning programs, $1,094,000 in special education, $745,000  in transportation, $1,219,000 in administration, $1,375,000 in student support services, $857,856 in business operations, and $1,763,000 in student activities.

Changes include converting kindergarten programming to half-day and eliminating all extracurricular activities, athletics, and high school transportation services.

Student services would see the elimination of bilingual assistant positions, social workers, and an elementary counselor.

Special education and preschool cuts include reducing the number of intervention specialists and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and school psychology staff; eliminating certified occupational therapy assistant positions; and reducing special education and paraprofessional staff.

John Silva, who has six children attending the schools and playing sports, said Wednesday he wants the board to look for money elsewhere rather than go with the cuts should the levy fail.

“We can go through your budget, and I’m sure we can find money to save,” Mr. Silva said.

Adam Koch, the school district’s treasurer and financial officer, reviewed multiple financial charts on a wall screen Wednesday to show that the proposed cuts are the result of just such an effort.

The cuts would be very impactful to the district and would damage property values, according to Greg Feller, board president. The measure is the result of joint discussions by the administration and unions, Mr. Zieroff previously said.

Another Sylvania Township resident, Jason Roberts, who doesn’t have children in the district, asked if there’s a guarantee the district wouldn’t pursue another levy in a couple of years even if the proposed levy passes.  

Mr. Zieroff responded.

“I for one don’t want to do this again, and I don’t want our taxpayers to do it again during my tenure,” the superintendent said, adding that he prefers to keep the books balanced through attrition and “rightsizing.”

The remaining town halls are set for 6 p.m. Sept. 9 and Oct. 21 at the same venue. The meetings feature Mr. Zieroff, Treasurer Adam Koch, and school board members.

Additionally, Mr. Zieroff and Mr. Koch will give financial updates during a series of Coffee & Conversation sessions at 9:30 a.m. every Friday from Sept. 11 through Oct. 30.

All but one of those morning sessions will be held at the Sylvania Senior Center. The one on Oct. 16 will be at the Sylvania Schools Administration Building, 4747 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd.

The University of Toledo is giving potential students a firsthand look at its new radiation therapy program.

Students interested in radiation therapy can learn more about the profession during an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 3 at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center, 1325 Conference Dr., on the university’s Health Science Campus.

Radiation therapists use technology to deliver prescribed treatments to patients with cancer and other diseases.

“Our program was built to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and clinical experience they need to become exceptional radiation therapists,” said Kelsey Hoffman, the program director. “Throughout the curriculum, students build on what they learn through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences and four clinical rotations across a variety of treatment settings.”

During the event, students can learn more about the profession, meet faculty and current students, tour program spaces and equipment, and speak with an academic adviser, organizers said.

The Toledo library will begin accepting reservations for Romance-Con’s author talks, which include best-selling authors Adriana Herrera and Ali Hazelwood.

Library cardholders can access the tickets on Tuesday at 9 a.m., and the general public can access tickets on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Each day, half the available spots will be opened for reservations. Customers may reserve up to two tickets per author talk.

This year’s talks feature USA Today best-selling author Adriana Herrera, New York Times best-selling author Ali Hazelwood, as well as Elizabeth Stephens and Julian Winters.

The convention on Nov. 7 at the main library also features workshops, panel discussions, an author fair, vendors and other activities. Tickets for the author talks will be available under “ticketed events” on the library’s website, toledolibrary.org/romance-con.

Launched in 2024, Romance-Con has hosted nearly 100 romance authors, from local writers to bestselling authors.

When new sidewalks went in her front yard last year as part of Toledo’s residential roads program, Angie Petersen was pleased by the work.

“They look great,” she said as she gazed down the sidewalks in front of her house on 113th Street in Point Place. “Except for that,” she added, pointing to excessive weeds that grew around both sides of the sidewalks.

She expected fresh grass to grow when new topsoil and an appropriate seed blend was spread on both sides of the sidewalks. But weeds and bald patches of soil have made the sidewalks into an eyesore, she said.

“It looks terrible,” said Ms. Petersen, who has lived in her home for 11 years. “There’s lots of crabgrass on both sides, and little else. The city needs to do something about it. Reseed it. If not this year, then next spring.”

Most of the homes on 113th Street received new sidewalks last year as part of the residential roads program, and they appear to have the same problem with the growth of excessive weeds. 

Marcia Reichert, who lives a few houses down from Ms. Petersen, was also disappointed by the outcome. 

“The crabgrass was growing like crazy,” said Ms. Reichert, who has lived in her home for 13 years. “It’s just ridiculous.”

She sprayed crabgrass killer on both sides of her sidewalks, and did so for five of her neighbors with the same problems.

“I put my own grass seed in there, too. There’s a little bit of regular grass there that grew from my seed, but the soil they used is pretty bad. It seems to be mixed with gravel,” she said.

Tori Lane, spokesman for the city of Toledo, said the contractor had met the requirements for reseeding the soil.  

“The seed and topsoil used on these projects adhere to our city specs,” Ms. Lane said in an email. “The contractors are required to submit their selected seed mixture to the city for review, and to make sure it complies with our specs. Topsoil is tested annually and is provided by approved suppliers to make sure it complies with our specs. The city is aware that there are areas where the weeds growth rate has exceeded the grass growth. We will be evaluating these areas in the fall.”

Geddis Paving & Excavating was the contractor for the new sidewalks on 113th Street, Ms. Lane said. 

Ms. Reichert said she did not want the contractor to return and do it over.

“They already screwed it up once. I’m not going to go through this a second time, and maybe have them screw it up again,” she said. “We’re just having our own personal battles, We’re taking care of it one clump at a time.”

The residential roads program is funded by a 0.25 percent tax. Property owners will not be assessed, Ms. Lane said. 

More than 100 streets in Toledo, including 113th Street, were part of the residential roads program last year, she said. 

Meanwhile, the city’s sidewalk repair program, separate from the residential roads programs, is expected to be completed by Nov. 1.

It had been paused in 2024 and for most of 2025. Toledo City Council passed an ordinance in December to get the program going again. 

The sidewalk repair program is funded through the city’s forestry division, CIP funds, and assessments, Ms. Lane said. Residents received notification in January that highlighted which portions of the sidewalk would be repaired and which segments they would be assessed.

Property owners will be invoiced in the first half of 2027 and will have 30 days to pay it in full. If the invoice is not paid, the amount plus interest will be added to the property owner’s real estate taxes and paid over a 10-year period, beginning with the first half of the tax bill in January, 2028.